Job search tips

Job tips for felons

At SnagAJob.com we get a lot of questions around advice and types of jobs for felons. Sometimes it's from family members looking to help their loved one get back to work, but mostly the questions come from people looking to turn their life around; people looking to make a positive change in their life by looking for a job after they've been released from jail. It's never been easier, but some say it's getting harder.

The LA Times reported as recently as November that felons, even those with degrees, were finding it incredibly difficult to find work. It’s difficult at every level, even for the insanely talented people who you might think would never have a hard time getting a job.

A few weeks ago Jeffrey Lurie, the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, got a phone call from the President of the United States. Barack Obama was calling to praise him for his willingness to give their starting quarterback, Michael Vick, a second chance after being released from prison in 2009. There are a few things about Vick’s comeback that other job seekers can learn from.

1. Take your first offer: There was a lot of conversation after Michael Vick’s release from prison around what offers he’d receive, and while some teams were interested, only one was willing to take a chance on him. You are probably finding yourself in a similar situation. Lots of companies you come across in your job search might be interested in your otherwise commendable work history, but your criminal history may exclude you from consideration for a variety of reasons. It’s important that you take whatever jobs are offered to you, and be willing to prove yourself. Sometimes you need to be willing to take a step back to move forward, and this is one of those times. Once you prove yourself in one job, it will be easier for you to find others.

2. Get references: Speaking of proving yourself, sometimes your “word,” criminal past or not, just won’t be good enough. We recommended every person looking for jobs have a list of references, and this becomes even more important for felons. Michael Vick had several life coaches step in to vouch for his life changes including the former coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Tony Dungy. Not everyone is going to be able to get NFL coaches to come to their defense, but working with leaders in your community through churches or volunteer organizations can help boost your chances.

3. Take ownership of your past: Most hiring managers have heard every excuse in the book. What they don’t hear a lot of is honesty. Acknowledge the mistakes you’ve made by being completely honest instead of trying to explain them away. Upon returning to the NFL, Michael Vick addressed his past in public press conferences and spoke to his eagerness to prove himself as a changed man, he didn’t make excuses for his past. Because his crimes played out in the public arena, he didn’t ever have the ability to lie to potential employers, and you shouldn’t either. Never ever, ever, ever lie to a potential employer. Even if you get away with it in the interview process, it will still be grounds for termination should your past be discovered.

4. Prove yourself: Once you follow the first three tips, you’ll need to prove the stereotypes wrong. While your coworkers might have the luxury of slacking off and calling out, sick your employer will be watching you like a hawk. If you really want to get ahead, you’ll probably need to put in a little extra effort.

Discussion

Hi, my name is michael phillips, I was released from the depatment of correctons . 9/20/2010 when looking for a job has been really diffiicult. I am a changed man today and would really like an job oppertunity to prove it. While in the department I picked up the trade of welding, from the national center for contruction education and reseach certificates in the following
as well as offical transcripts. AIR CARBON ARC CUTTING AND GOUGING, GMAW AND FCAW EQUIPMENT AND FILLER METALS GTAW-PLAT, ALUMINUM PLATE,SMAW-OPEN-ROOT PIPE WELDS,OXYFUEL CUTTING AND MORE. THANKS

I can relate to people that have back ground issues.I have been out of work for a while and when i had a job i did not take the opp. likely. now i am a changed person serious about working,and its hard for me to get a job.Threw it all i have faith and i will find that job i am looking for.

Well I have skills telemarketing,Sales,Loan Officer,AutoBody,Waitoring,Busing, and I have been in college at SandfordBrown for business administration for six months and looking for some employment to support myself. I have 4 felonies for nonviolent crimes and in desperate need of a job. I have been without a job for over a year now!

hello michael i am in the same boat as you and it is really hard to find work. I myself am a welder and have turned my life around. I have a question for you. 1. have you found a welding job and 2. was it hard if you have. thanks for you story and time

I have a felony from 12-04 since this time I have had real problems finding a job I never been in prison only a very long probation period. I have since taken training for electronics and graduated in 2008. I pray this will be my year and also pray that everyone in this same situation, will have a very good new year. Jim

it just seems that im hopelessly lookin for a job thats never gonna happen my head hurts so bad from racking my brain filling out apps on line an then the unemployment office please give me some kinda insight that there is hope out threre im a very hard worker i know a littlr about every thing when it comes to common sense an im good with others but it seems that im begging an crying an clawing to get anthing anywhere please help and i am a felon also just trying to put the pieces back together its hard but worth it if i can get the chance just to prove myself an be the man im supposed tobe right now

My name is Raymond, I am a twenty-one year old man living in San Antonio, Texas. I have had trouble looking for a job since 2009. I am not a convicted felon, I have never been to jail, but could be facing jail time. My life went down him on the night of December 26, 2009, when my sons mother came to pick him up, I had been drinking earlier that day over somethings that I was upset about. When my sons mother came to pick him up I became enraged, got a gun and shot it (hurting and killing no one) I left and the cops were after me for a while. My babys mom made a report and I was charged with deadly conduct. Another similar situation with a gun happened a few months later, again I was charged with deadly conduct and because of a false allegation made by a police officer I was also charged with retaliation. I want to change, get a job, support my child, and be a better man overall but its hard becauseI feel like i take one step forward and three steps back.

Three basic things occur when an employer looks at a felon as a potential employee. They look for a story of change, the evidence of such, and the risk of taking a chance on you. If you meet those challenges then they consider your capabilities and wether your appropriate for the job. In order to pass the most important test you have to overcome personal bias. Another words you have to overcome what they believe about people who commit crimes. In order to do this I suggest a couple of very specific things you can do.
My son has a felony and when he got out of prison and started looking for a job I suggested to him that he offer to work for free! Sounds crazy but it serves a couple purposes; 1) that offer shows how willing you are to prove yourself (dispute belief that criminals take from society) 2) Demonstrates how confident you are that your work product will be valuable. 3) In an interview it leaves an impression that your willing to give first before you get, (taste tests sell products, and try before you buy reduces the risk of taking a chance on you). For the most part a good employer won’t let you anyway but just the offer alone sends a strong message (disputes personal beliefs about criminal logic and reduces the fear of taking a chance on you).
The other thing to consider is volunteering somewhere as the article above mentions and this I think is a very under utilized strategy (shows evidence of change). The benefits of volunteering will far out way the effort. Consider this… you will have some recent experience to put on your resume’, you will be changing a potential employers view of your character from (criminal who is a burden to society) to a contributing member of society. Also volunteering gives you a great opportunity to make friends with other volunteers. These people generally are humanitarian types who either have a strong sense of stewardship towards the world or don’t need to work, but want a cause or a purpose or both. These are the type of friends who may be able to help you find a job through their connections and relationships. Having a personal referral for employment goes a long way to overcoming stereo types. Also it shows that your not willing to sit around and just accept things, it says you go out and actively work to make opportunities for yourself. People like a go getter and they also like comeback stories, you can be both. There is a saying… “if you want something from the world…Give IT FIRST.”
Lastly if you went to prison or were convicted of a crime you need to be actively involved in Narcotics Anon (NA) or Alcoholics Anon (AA) and have a sponsor, the first place anyone who has been in trouble with the legal system should start is here ( most crime is drug related and society is starting to sympathize with the disease concept of drug addiction). Belonging to NA or AA supports evidence of change. It is the first door that will be open to you, it is the best place to work on your character, and you will have both the benefit of other peoples experiences and an opportunity to share your own, but employers see these type of affiliations as evidence that someone has really changed! Beyond that church affiliations are very valuable for the same reasons, if you haven’t tried all of these things then don’t give up, you can’t give up anyway because people who are successful in life are such because they don’t give up no matter how many doors get shut in their face, Also in the event you apply for a job and are not hired call the individual you interviewed with and ask them candidly to help you by letting you know honestly what you could do to be a better candidate for a job, if they will discuss it with you they will probably share with you the things that you didn’t demonstrate. It is good feed back. To be the exception here you need to act exceptional!

Wow, Ellen, thank you for that post. My boyfriend has felonies for really stupid stuff he did after losing his estranged father back in 2009. He recently moved three hours away, back home, to find work because he has connections there. Even so, he gets so far and then the background comes up, and n job for him. Your post perfectly summed up exactly what he needs to do, and I’m excited to relay the advice. Thanks for doing the footwork. He’s so, so discouraged, now I just need to re-motivate him!

i have multiple felonies that were not alcohol or drug related just me being young and stupid now 8 years after i committed my crimes i have a 3 year old and another on the the i don’t think aa or na could help or really even want me considering i don’t have alcohol or drug problems but my father was involved in aa and i’m not going to give my opinion on those programs since i’m sure they helped some people but i would say to those without drug or alcohol problems or those people that don’t agree with aa and na to get active in a church or volunteer activity

Advice is take any job you can get. Cleaning toilets stocking shelves, that’s what I do, I stock shelves and it pays 15 bucks an hour. If you have or know of someone that does route sales they usually need a merchandiser, your job would be to stock the empty shelves as the product comes in, they are usually individually owned and operated and don’t do back ground checks. It’s hard work, yet it’s a great stepping stone, after awhile routes come up for sale, it’s based on your credit, yet the people work with you depending on the company, you basically own your own business, it’s Monday through Sunday, typically Wednesdays off, yet pay ranges from 40 – 100k gross. That’s my two cents. Just cause you sold drugs doesn’t make you a addict, so I don’t agree with NA or AA I don’t drink, I don’t do drugs. Volunteering is good, yet in my experience its hard to affiliate with many corporate 501-C3. Give back anyway you can, if religion is your thing then go for that too, meditation helps, and faith, yet it is up to you to change your life, not some invisible god, or just hope alone. You must possess the will of god within you before you can see the effects in the outer world. God is not in space, in the clouds, it is in your heart your soul. You don’t need a church to get to know god, just the will power to want to know the god within you. Church is good to be around positive people, just make sure it is a everyday thing not just on Sunday for couple hours and then it’s back to drinking or whatever it is someone might do. Felons are the last people that don’t truly have any rights in this country, we are denied employment, housing, financial aid, loans for businesses, participation in research studies, the right to vote (in some cases) to bare arms, you are denied the basic rights of an individual, yet Thought is Cause, cause enough to cause a change in your world and in everybody’s world. Gay marriage is a perfect example of people breaking through after being oppresed. We have got to conduct ourselves in a way that changes the status quo, from writing us off, and giving them an excuse to make money off of locking up millions of people for corporate greed. Until we become one voice for reform, this epidemic will continue to plague society, and many men, will spend there adult life away from their children and loved ones perpetuating a cycle of self destruction. Don’t be victim, if you get mad look in the mirror, yet it doesn’t mean you can not have self worth. I love my people, and still believe in the kindness of the human spirit, I hope one day, someone sees me then more just a felon. 126 that’s how many jobs turned me down before I found part time work.

Sorry, but there is a God. He is not some invisible guy, and while The Holy Spirit does reside in our hearts, God is also outside of us and watching over us. I don’t think knocking someone elses religious views by implying that is really an attitude you want to portray.

I HAD LOST MY JOB BACK IN 2009 AND I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR WORK EVER SINCE. TO MAKE AN LONG STORY SHORT I HAD STAYED OUT OF TROUBLE FOR 20+ YEARS. I HAD BEEN WORKING IN THE MEDICAL FOR HALF OF MY LIFE AND THIS IS THE ONLY WORK THAT I KNOW. I DON’T KNOW WHAT IS WRONG IN OUR COUNTRY BUT I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN SECOND CHANCE. EVERYBODY DERSERVE AN SECOND CHANCE IN LIFE WE ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE AND I AM TRYING TO LIVE MY LIFE THE BEST THAT I CAN. THANK- YOU FOR READING ON WHAT I HAVE TO SAY.

Listen girl I’m going through the same thing as for as me not having or can’t get a job. I’ve applied everywhere and to everyone. I’ve worked in the medical field for 12 years. I’m lost because this something that I’m good at and I don’t know what else to do but also I willing to work anywhere at anytime. I need to survive for my daughter and me. I got a domestic violence with my husband and we got a divorce immediately. I felt bad because my family say with all the education you have you can’t get a job. My oldest daughrt works at Good Sam and they have a program for people to get a second chance out of life. The women goes to this Program at 6 p.m. on Friday nights only for and hour. You have to do this once or twice a week because he wants you come to church on Sunday morning. I think this is a good chance for me also to try something different to get back on my feet. Check it out. It’s on Main St. a small white building across from a daycare on Mumma and Main St. at the corner intersection also its beside an expensive rim store. It’s called Second Chance for Good Samaritan Hospital. Good Luck!!

Hi Hun,
I just read your post! Where is Mumma and Main St. exactly at? Are you in the city, it does sound as if its a good program, and at this turning point in our lives anything is worth checking into ya know! Good Luck Shondla!

I have A SON SOON TO BE RELEASED FROM PRISON HE HAS ACHEIVED SO MUCH WHILE THERE HE HAS TAKEN COLLGE COURSES NO WRITE UP’S HE SAID HE WOULD TAKE ANY KIND OF A JOB WORK TWO IF HE HAD TO HE IS ON WORK RELEASE NOW N KY AT THE FIRE DEPT THEY LOVE HIM SAY HE IS A HARD WORKER VERY GOOD PERSONALITY YET WE ARE SCARED WHEN HE COMES OUT THEY WILL HOLD HIS PAST AGAINST HIM MY ADVICE DONT GIVE UO BE HONEST WHEN YOU APPLY TELL THEM YOU WILL TAKE A FREE WORK TRIAL MOST OF ALL TURN YOUR LIFE OVER TO GOD HE WILL NOT LET YOU DOWN

Hello I can relate to you I am in the same boat. I have worked in healthcare since 1999 an I went to TDC and I did 18 months. I was released 1n 2014. I am still on parole and I will be off paper in 2019. Since then I have had so many job interviews not getting the job. I am always honest when I have the interview and soon as they run a background check that’s when all hell break loose. I wish someone would just give me a second chance to show my working skills. I have an associates and bachelors degree in human services management. I can’t do anything with it. When I go on these interviews I always say a prayer. Even though I don’t get hired I am still keeping the faith. I get depress at times but I just have to remember that someone will open up a door for employment for me. I just keep the faith and keep looking. So I can relate to you. Good luck to you.

much thanks to those behind this [ job tips for felons]. i myself am a felon. my last felon was in 1999.i own up to my past, i created this situation for myself.while trying to remain hopeful, it gets very discouraging at times.i am a very skillful person. i do many things very well.i also understand the relucant to hire someone with a felon.all felons are not rehabilitated.most times we are not well represented when those who do give a felon a job and are screwed.still, i keep trying, giving up is not an option.

I’m glad you found the article to be helpful. It sounds like you’ve got a great attitude about finding a job. If you have any questions, or you’d like to see a blog on a different topic, just let me know.

I am a convicted felon who was just released from federal prison after serving a little over ten years. I am a welder and mechanic and have been searching for jobs for about two months now. The potential employers I have been interviewed by don’t seem to have a problem with my crime, a marijuana conspiracy. However I am 58 years old and a lot of my competition is much younger than I am. I am still optimistic although I have applied at over 80 companies. I know I will find work soon as I have worked my whole life and it will just be a matter of time until something comes my way. If you are in the same position as me don’t give up! Keep trying!

I haven’t been toi prison but I was terminated when my employer found out that I had been arrested because I didn’t tell them. I have been searching for going on three years now. I went to school for welding and I still can’t find a job they tell me since I am on Probation that they can’t hire me unless it has been 7 years before they will even try to talk to me.

I have 1 felony conviction for “assualt on police officer” from a shoplifting incident in 2004, also 1 charge of reckless driving assoc. with that same incident. Alledgedly the cop claimed i tried to run him over with my car and actually struck him 2ce in the leg. unfortunately I had no witnesses and did not think i was going to be charged with anything but the shoplifting. Anyhow long story short the cop made me out like some violent felon, i got a 3 yr. jail sentence suspended after completion of 2 yr. probation. I also had mandatory psychiatric eval and treatment which didn’t go too well/work out.
In ’07 i was forced to resign from a good paying state job, another misfortunate event because i didnt keep my mouth shut and was misquoted/misunderstood. It took me 8 months to get another job then and the background check was certainly to blame. the place that finally hired me was a small office and they didn’t do background checks.
That job was elim. in Dec. ’08 and I have been w/o a job EVER since. the discrimmination this time around is even worse, i am not even being called in to interviews and part of it is my online police blotter was removed from archives and posted back onto the internet so it appears on the first pages of my name search. Anyhow it is depressing beyond belief. I am living off my meager life savings and don’t know what will happen once my savings accounts hit 0 balance. Now i had an interview with a sole business owner who may give me an offer but the job is a full hours drive away and seems like it willl be way too much responsibility/work for me so i may have to decline it tho i wonder when my next interview will be.
I have noticed the change between ’07 and now. With over 1000 jobs i have applied to only 3 applications! did not ask the crim. record question but in my case since my police blotter is online for eternity it truly is hopeless. I wish all those with records like 1 time things could band together and advocate for some kind of leniency/protected class status otherwise alot of us will never work again and just become a burden to the state and or relatives or end up homeless vagrants.
I have not found any helpful advice out there at all. Telling the truth is not a good idea either, i mean it’s kinda hard to explain you enjoy stealing for the rush it gives and expect the employer to understand! Learning/updating a new skill is useless if no-one will hire you because of felony conviction. Now if there was some kind of job training program for ANYONE with a midemeanor/felony but with avoiding workplace violence being a major issue for HR mgr.s. w/o any governemnt mandate that will never happen.

Man I agree with you about one time screwups killing your chances of employment. My offense is the only thing I have ever done wrong. and I am now without a job and fixing to end up in the streets. can anyone help us???

if i were you i’d do whatever you can to get the jobeven if you have to drive two hours in traffic each day to get back and forth. you need the $$ and to get back on your feet. It could be your only chance.

since 2010 ive been out of work currantly on probation with a felony and it is hard as a single mother of three little ones ages 1,2,and 3 and ive tried my darnest in finding an appropriate job for myself and its been a struggle ever since

I have been convicted of 3 felonies in my life. People make mistakes, some make more than others. My first felony conviction was in 2001, 2nd 2003, and 3rd in 2004. Upon returning to my community in January 2010 after serving almost 6 years in Federal Prison it was hard. Since this time though, i have had a couple of low paying jobs. This last job i worked at was really hard on Felony Convictions. Back in April of last year a family member said that he could get me into the company he worked at,and it would pay around 14.00 an hour. I thought this was a break so i quit my job and moved about 2 hours away for this opportunity. While doing my interview i was asked about having felony conviction(and as i had said on my app) yes i do. Right then the H.R said that they could not hire me.
Well, i tried to find a job elsewhere but still couldn’t. About 2 months after my failed interview, i started working for a temp service for 7.45 an hour at the same place. This was weird, they wouldn’t hire me but yet i could walk thru the door as a temp. I put my best foot forward and succeeded at doing my job and being an asset to this company that i felt had used discrimination in their hiring process. After about 4 months of working thru the temp service, i tried again. This time i had a plant manager, line leader, and could have had many, many more give a reference. To make this short, i was still shot down because my felony was not 10 years old yet. What could i have done different? I am for sure, this is the exact reason America has a 78% return rate of convicted felons. We have to have jobs to survive too. God Bless the felons cause its only going to get worse on us.

I got released from IDOC back in May of 2010 and have yet to find a job.
I was sent up for a DUI.
Everywhere I’ve applied for, when they respond, say I don’t met there requirments…
I’ve got experience from costumer sales to forklift to maint tech to warehouse control…
I’ve always held a full time job but now-a-days it’s hard to find a part time job.

We hear over and over again that it can be difficult for those with criminal records to find employment. You might try reading this article on our site: https://www.snagajob.com/resources/felon-job-applications for additional tips on finding a job. Just be honest about your past and don’t give up.

When I was released in 2007, I enrolled in a construction program in Stockton,Ca. I tested for pipefitting and was assigned to work in Merced,Ca. It was a very good training experience, the construction industry has no issue with any background, only issue, can you perform the work. Like many other workers, I was layed off after nine months. Again, like all felons, I was not interviewed for any work, when my union called for a few days of ditch digging, I accepted the assignment. During my job search, I contacted the Teamsters office and inquired about the driver training program for class A license, I was awarded a scholarship for one month training in Rancho Murieta,CA. near Sacramento. I tested with the DMV and received my class A license. Applying to trucking companies, especially the companies which will hire inexperienced new drivers, my felony conviction continues to be a hindrance. Still, I will be training for crane operator with the Teamsters. Again, the construction industry has no issue with any background, if you can perform the duties required, you can work in the industry. If you are in the Modesto,Ca area, the next pipefitter test will be in March, the first Wednesday. Visit Local 442, pipefitters and view the test date to confirm, this can be a new begining for you. If you wish to inquire on the Teamsters program, phone (916)354-2122 Shelly Hinkle is the person to discusss the next driver training program, also, ask for the website to view future training. It’s been a long strange trip for me and I know it has been for you. Contact me if you have further success, Joe S. PS also, https://www.calapprenticeship.org will show you other trades to apply, be proactive and be ready.

It’s been frustrating for us felons, I know we all would want an opportunity to become productive citizens, it is that no company will afford us one. The probation department is unconcerned, no judge will give us a second thought, and the lawyers will not assist us with our rehabilitation. We are alone. I tell you this, when this nation is threatened with foreign intervention, who will the system call to protect them, us, all us dangerous felons will be called to protect the very system that keeps us “down”. Why would I (we) jeopordize our lives to continue the status quo, why would I lay down my life to have the system continue to not allow me to be a productive citizen, if you won’t protect me, I will not protect you. You who won’t hire me, you who will not interview me, you who won’t allow me basic necessities to exist. When this nation is threatened, guess who is called upon by the system for protection, us. With the rallying cry of, “Let’s do this as a nation,” “Let’s move together as a people.” Your system continues to keep me down, I say “Hell No, I won’t go.” You did not protect me, therefore I will not protect you.

Good Morning, I really appreciate this articial. I am the career Services director here at Lincoln Technical Institute, Fern park Florida. This article is great because it helps people to really look a them selves and give them some hope that they can get a job if they really work at it. It’s harder when you have something on your background, but it’s not impossible. Any information that can be provied to help people get jobs is great and I will pass this along to my graduate students.

I’m glad you enjoyed the article, and hopefully your students find it useful. Please let me know if there are any other topics you’d like covered in the blog that might help your students and their peers.

I am also a felon who has had a very hard time finding work. In 2002 I was covicted of a felony and since then many jobs have discriminated against me. I wish that I was able to express to the employers that I am a changed man but that is not the case. It is very discouraging but you have to keep moving foward. I am currently a college student and that is about the most I have to offer besides life Experience. Everyone just has to have faith and don’t ever give up! When one door closes another will open. Sometimes you have to move backwards before you can move forward. If you get an opportunity to get a low paying job forget about pride and do what you need to do to survive. Forget about the “Poor Me’s”, and do something about it. If you apply yourself you will succeed. My heart goes out to those who are experiencing the same struggles, and you are all in my prayers. Good luck and God bless you are not alone!!!

Hello, I’ve read some of the remarks of the exfelons and also an exfelon, I’m currently in the Federal Halfway house in Atlanta, Georgia. I’ve been looking diligently for a computert repair job opportunity, I’m a certified a(+) computer depot technician wanting a chance to prove myself.

I am a 26 year old convicted felon…3 times to prison…I have had many jobs in the sales and fast food industries. If a person focuses on, and emphises upon, what they have to offer an employer will scence the confidence. A New York Times poll asked 100 major companies if they would hire felons and 96 said they would if the applicant was qualified. When you go in for an interview be confident and know that you can and will be an asset.

I’ve read mostly all the motivational stories, and I too can relate b/c Im a convicted felon. This was my first felony and I recieved 8 years suspended after 4 years for carrying a handgun. My time is almost up, I have about 3 or 4 weeks left on my sentence. Im currentely at a work release program, and Im seeking employment at a local Department of labor. I knew jobs were far and few when I recently inquired to a Purdue proccessing plant and there is a waiting list. WOW!! But I remain optimistic in saying”Sunshine wouldn’t feel so good if it weren’t for rain”.

My name is Beto and i was recently released from prison. I was sentenced to 7 years in the DOC i served two and am currently in community corrections. I have been job searching for about a month and a half. i have had a couple interviews where my criminal background was questioned, i was completely honest about everything and readily answered any and all questions, One place said they didnt want to waste their time trying to license me, which i understood until the lady began to degrade me by insulting my attire. She made the comment that jeans were not professional i agree however if one is going to comment on someones clothing they first shall be in an appropriate “professonal” attire. The second place i interviewed at also declined to offer me a position. The interview went really well until i was asked about my past. I was honest and said that i was young i am only 22 now but two years ago when i was convicted. i made some mistakes and i cant go back and fix them all i can do is shape a better future for myself. I also said i understood the concerns with an employer wanting to employ a felon but that if given the chance i will prove that i have matured and changed. i was blessed and am employed at a fast food restaurant. i am barely making enough to pay rent restitution and classes and everything that is being asked of me, However more classes are required which means less time at work yet with more expenses. i do my best at work i do not only my job but assist others with theirs hoping to be promoted to management. It gets frustrating but we have to give it our all. FOr those felons that are looking for employment but arent ready to truly change the direction of their lives please dont ruin it for the rest of us that are truly trying to make it. SOme employers have already taken a chance on the wrong felon and now they will not bother giving an opportunity to anyone with a criminal history.Keep at it everyone if we give up on ourselves so will everybody else. Dont lose hope or faith. sincerely
A Fellow Felon

i hate the fact that i’ve got over twenty applications in and not one hit on them it;s killing me a have a 1 1/2 year old son to take care of but the economy isnt letting me…please hire me …i need a job i dont even care if i have to work in tobacco im ready

20 applications isn’t a huge number in today’s market, I’d continue to pace yourself but submit at least one a day, and make sure to follow up on each one. One application and one follow up per day will keep you on-pace, without eating up all of your time. If you find you can handle doing more, then crank it up a notch or two. Good luck Jaimie!

I was convicted in November 2009 for two separate misdemeanor charges and was sentenced to four years probation. I am a 21 year old college student who has made mistakes in my life and is trying to better my life. I am going to school for juvenile justice and law (with hopes of one day going onto law school) so I can use my experiences in life to help troubled youth in our society. I recently lost my job and have found it difficult to find employment based on my record (simple assault and impersonation) because the charges are considered a violent conviction. This article is helpful and I’m hoping and praying that an employer can see beyond my past and give me an opportunity.

i am not a felon, however, i am on probation in the state of nevada. One of the requirements of my probation is that i obtain a job (with-holding taxes). I have not been employed in over 10 years, and have minimal trades I am able to offer myself to. How would I approach a potential employer concerning my current situation?

Hi Jennifer, this article might help – https://www.snagajob.com/resources/how-to-get-a-job-with-felony-record/ You’ll want to find an entry-level position and work your way up, especially since you don’t have much experience and have a long employment gap. I’d also recommend volunteering to help you fill out your resume, sharpen your skills and increase your job search network.

hi,
I have a misdeamnor and I can remeber a time when that didnt matter either. Now, people look at you like your some type of bad person or something. Look, we all make misstake even the ones who can decide to hire you or not.I am firm beleiver in giving people a second chance, but we live in a society where people just want who they like and dont go on your skills and talents anymore…It’s not what you know it’s who you know and even then if they feel like saying “hey were sorry but were not hiring right now”!!!when their is a Big sign posted “HIRING” So all I can say just keep the faith and see if you can volunteer somewhere cut grass, babysit, offer taking people to work for a fee, anything as long as your not sitting around feeling sorry for yourself and GOD BLESS and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And remember one day you will be the one giving some1 a second chance and dont take nothing for granted and thank the Lord everyday your alive to see another day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look to everyone feeling hopeless and sorry for themselves that they can’t find a job. I’m in the sme boat floating in the water with a felony. One thing I do remember and will not ever forget, that when Jesus Christ sent his diciples ahead of him in that boat and minutes later peter saw him walking on water. Jesus told him to come to him and have faith and the moment that he felt scard he started to sink but when Jesus reach out his hand peter grab it and he started rise again. What I’m saying is believe and have faith. I’ve been out of a good job since ’04, worked for about month in’10 thenwent to prison in july ’10, just got out bout 4 or 5 months ago. Don’t have a job yet but had interviews. So God is opening doors for me and he can also do the same for all those who are in need. Just seek him be patient and he provide. GOD BLESS every one and you are all in my prayers.

I myself am a convicted felon. I was convicted in jan. 04 of a drug crime. I was released from prison in 2007. Since then I have maintained my job for the past 4 years and even made supervisor. I myself have ran into problems of seeking better employment due to my felony status. For example I had an interview with med labs. Prior to my interview I was asked instead of taking a phlebotomy position would I be interested in a supervisor position. So I filled out the application and checking yes on the felony section. I was then interviewed by the regional director and the site manager at the same time. Keep in mind that during the interview they had my application in hand and at some points using it as a reference. They were very impressed and hired me and hired me on the spot. They instructed me to put my 2 weeks notice in and I did so. 4 days later I get a call concerning my felony status. I explained that when i was 23 i was convicted of felony drug crime. Im now 32 years of age. Keep mind they had my application in hand during the interview, and I was instructed to put my 2 weeks notice. To make a long story short they decided to pass on me. No reason was given and not even an apology. To make things worse Med Labs wanted me to quit my job that day and I refused to because I felt it nessecary to do the right thing by putting a 2 weeks notice. It’s a good thing I didn’t quit because I would be without a job right now. What I can’t understand is how do you expect people to change if no one will give you a chance. I myself am exausted with the constant judgement from others concerning something I did almost 10 years ago. I just continue to pray and continue the good fight. Thank you

I’m really sorry to hear that, though it sounds like you’ve definitely moved on to some really solid employment opportunities in the medical field. The good news is that even though you encountered issues in that job process, you probably have an outstanding resume and great interview skills if they perused you that strongly. So when you do find an employer who is ready to give you a shot, you’re all set to make an awesome impression!

It really depends on the employer and what system they use for their background checks. Read the application carefully when the question comes up. If it asks if you have committed a felony within the past seven years, then you’re clear.

Ms. Kovac,
If it wouldn’t be too much of an imposition, could you please remove my withdrawal request as well? I realize, often, perception is everything. Thank you for broaching the subject at all. Recidivism is perpetuated by denying a person the ability to earn their way in life and relegating them to sub-standard (often dangerous) housing. Thank you for recognizing my rant (read that frustration) for what it was, and thank you (in advance) for not posting this entry either.
Again, my sincerest apologies…
-Melaine

I was waived into adult court when I was 17, so I got charged as an adult and now at 33 I am still having such a tough time finding work. I decided to go to school for medical assistant and earned a 4.0 GPA, at the start of my second semester I received a call stating that my background check came through and that I cannot continue to stay in the medical program because nobody will want me when it comes to the externship portion of things. Since then I stayed in school and simply changed my program (major) I had to stop school and start looking for work because, well, it wasn’t paying the bills. I AM STILL SEARCHING, I call these places and they NEVER state they can’t hire me because I’m a felon but if I’m qualified to do the work, what else is the problem. I’m so tired of struggling, I never got into trouble again. I served my 3 years in state prison and never looked back. I dont get it.
And for those of you who are wondering, it was a SIMPLE fight, except I hung with gangs and in 1996 where I lived things were really bad, they made an example out of me. I was charged with substatial battery to a minor (the girl was 16 and I got waived at 17) aggravated assault and bodily harm to a child. BUT I WAS A CHILD MYSELF.

I have a veh felony assault/dui from 12/2003 and I worked in the medical field in radiology for 10 yrs prior to 12/2003.When I was on probation for 5yrs and when I went back into the field I had no problem getting interviews or getting hired.But I got another dui in 2010 while I was still working in the radiology and informed the hospital and it was not a problem.I quit that job due to burnout.That was back in April and I just started looking again mid june and I have had only one phone interview.There have been several openings for what I do and I know I am more than qualified to do the job and I was the lead tech and I covered other areas also(CT,IR).I can not figure out if is because of the felony/dui or both dui.My job had nothing to do with driving good work record and references from nurses,my supervisor and some of the drs at this point I am at a loss as what to do next

My husband has some felonies from his early 20′s, he’s now 44. He got into the trades 11 years ago and the last 3 years he’s worked maybe 6 months. He has applied just about everywhere and even in a different state and still every job that he really wants they run a back ground check from the time he turned 18 and although he has done nothing wrong in 20+ years they still will not hire him. He’s mad at himself for doing the dumb things when he was younger. Why when an employer sees his record don’t they look at the since then part? Everyone screws up at one time or another. People DO change and have the records to show it but it just doesn’t matter anymore.

I got into trouble when my estranged brother came back into our life. I have a felony from 6 years ago, and I still cannot find a job. My credit now is also an issue, because of not being able to get a job to pay my bills! I am a trained chef, NOBODY will give me a second chance! I have been on countless interviews, I have many letters of reference from past employers.I have a top-notch, professionally written resume. I dress to impress as well. I have even gone back to college for IT and I know Linux. Nobody, not even Taget, or Dunkin Donuts will hire me. So I have been a caregiver to My Mom and My father-in-law for the past 6 years, Sadly they have both passed away. I am now resorted to selling all of my worldly belongings online, just to get by. I have also been a back ground Actor on TV shows, but they are only day jobs, where there is no background check. Thank goodness for my long time boyfriend who pays the rent, gas and light bills. Then I listen to the Debates about getting America back to work, I have a few questions for them. Even when I go to some stores I cannot believe the companys who hire some of these people over myself. I too am at a loss as what to do next….

Background checks are advertised everywhere on the internet now so employers take advantage of that and the background checking companies are making a killing offering deeper digging. Also “Mugshots” is often the first hit on running a search on a name if they have a record. More access to all of this is making it very difficult, been looking now for 6 months. Tired of going to interviews for nothing. Should you tell of your background during the setting of interview phone call so no one wastes their time?

We here at Bexar County Detention Ministries are here specifically for men and women with backgrounds. We are 4 case managers that will assist you with job leads and we also have an abundance of classes for clients help also. To mention a few: job readiness/job search, money management, and Substance Recovery Classes. Now remember that’s just to name a few of them. so come by our office at 503 San Pedro, give us a call at 210-299-4540, or check out our website at https://www.bcdm.org to get assistance on for your needs.

I’m 57 yrs old and recently pleaded guilty so now I have a conviction what is called embezzelment. I have a masters degree and not unemployment. I feel I’m wasting my time interviewing now. but my question is…yes I put the info with explanation on the application…but when going through a staffing agency do you let them know?

I don’t see much hope in these posts for me. I’m here in Louisiana. I committed my crime 7 yrs ago: felony theft. I’ve not been convicted or plead guilty yet. Six and a half years ago I stopped showing up for court. I had just gone thru my last living child’s drug od death and was heavily medicated, much more so than when I committed my felony. I just got out of jail after spending 6 wks in for contempt. I don’t know whats going to happen from here. The past 3 years I’ve been a sober, responsible adult taking care of my family. I’m in my 50′s and have physical limitations that prevents me from doing anything besides clerical, I have skills. I’m just not seeing alot of hope for me and my job future.

My question is about the time frame…..I have had applications ask if I was convicted in last 7 or last 10 years…….I wasn’t, so should the arrest info be volunteered or when they do a background check are they only asking for 7 or 10 years history?

Hi Brett – Great question. Stick to the directions provided and only answer if you’ve had a conviction during that time frame. If you think they will be doing a more intense background check out before they offer you the job, you can give them a head’s up of what they can expect. But, because they put the time frame on the application, it could be that they policy is to only note the arrest if it was in the last 10 years.

My Name is Sean McDonald and I am a Board Member of 2nd Chance Democrats which is an organization of almost formerly incarcerated persons and their families. We are forming to empower formerly incarcerated with knowledge, advise and help finding employment. We are currently recruiting members to join us in our fight to change The hiring practices of major companies by having them remove the questions asking about criminal history. smcdonald.2ndchance@gmail.com

I got a job interview with chevron and it went well. They would like to take things further, I have to go in for test and background check. I a felony on my record and its pretty new, like 18 months ago. They didn’t ask if I had any felonies on the app how should I proceed when I go in. Should I mention it? Or should I not mention it? Home Depot offered me a job but after my background came back they said they couldn’t go any further even though in the interview I did bring it up but they said it wasn’t a problem. I just need some advice.

Hello all,
I have had a few charges stemming through the years at times when i was an emotional wreck and depressed. I definitely know exactly how difficult it is to find work. Before these charges, I’ve only wished in customer service, retail, telecommunications (non-marketing). I’ve been unable to work back in this field because i fall the background checks and my changes are considered “dishonesty” charges.
In my experiences, if an application states “HAVE YOU (EVER) BEEN ARRESTED (IN 6,7,10 YEARS)… you will be screwed because at some point you’re background will unveil your criminal history. No matter if you move to the other end of the United States.

We are considered “liabilities” and not only will these hiring managers be reluctant to hire us but it is most likely against their company to hire individuals with certain types of records while maybe hiring if you have charges unrelated to the type of work you applied for, for ex: drug charges/drug traffecking charges in the medical field don’t mix well together, petit theft charges don’t mix well with retail jobs/telecommunication jobs (unrelated to telemarketing).

No matter what we do, it is just impossible to get past that background check especially if the charge may make you look “liable” of they hire you.
I myself have been unemployed for five years , i just gave up all together looking for work because every where i went i was rejected over and over again. Through the years unemployed I’ve researched and researched, and there’s just not a lot of information out there to help felons/misdemeanor.

Construction, waiters, telemarketing are the three number one jobs that will hire people who fail
background checks, but it’s not that they will hire you, it’s that they do not perform a background check… so the key to finding work is to find employers who don’t perform background checks- which unrelated to the above mentioned fields are far and in between.

Going to school only gives you education, proves you can be smart, gives you a degree but it does not guarantee employment what’s so ever. ? Is really good to do to pass the time away while not being able to find work but reality hits once you apply for work and background checks become an obstacle.

I tried volunteering myself about two years ago or so, it does help as far as putting on the application that you have experience but it also does not guarantee employment. You could possibly have the opportunity for them to hire you, it’s a chance.

i think you’re best bet is to find work who the hiring staff do not perform background checks, join programs which will help you begin employment through the unemployment agency or through some other government agency, one of the last things on the list I’d suggest add far as finding enjoyment is volunteering.
School is wonderful positive energy, church events are also wonderful positive energies.
Good luck.

hi everyone i want u to know i love all these post. I know its very hard trying to find a job as a felon. Its been 5 yrs since i got in trouble. I went into the medical field to. I can say most nursing homes wont give u a second chance. But if u go on craigslist and look for private duty who dont check your back ground . You know what also is good try drug rehabs most of them will hire felons who had a drug problems in the past u can work as a charge staff. U would have to be either 1 or 2 yrs clean. Im still trying to find work were i live there is hardly anything. But i wont give up.

I'm not yet convicted of a felony but am scared I will be...for a crime I did not commit. I have zero money to pay for a lawyer and I make "too much" to qualify for a court appointed lawyer. I'm being charged with an aggravated DUI when I was actually sober. I was driving without a license, which is a crime, but I was in no way impaired. I even blew a 0.00. I was followed for almost two miles and pulled over for tags. Not a moving violation. The entire conversation centered on how to get my car out of impound after I get my tags and license. There was nothing about a DUI until after they ran my medical marijuana card, after they found pot in my trunk.

Of course there were positive nanograms in my system on the blood tests, because I'm fat and I've smoked daily for years.

I am basically screwed. This is my second DUI within two years. The first one was real and I was actually drunk. I quit drinking after that. That's why I was sober when I got pulled over.

I have a masters degree and fear I won't be able to find any work after I get convicted of a crime I didn't even commit. How do I go about explaining this to prospective employers without sounding like I'm giving excuses? I'm not going to lie and confess to a crime I never actually committed even if I get convicted of it. Is that what is expected out of me?

I have a felony conviction from 1999. I was a first time non-violent offender, and 15 years later have only added a speeding ticket to that record. I started at my current job in 2004 as a cashier making just over minimum wage. I have been with this company for nearly 11 years now and have received two promotions, now at management level. I count this as a personal success that resulted from a fluke. The “check box”, as I like to call it, was simply not on my application. I have proven myself an honest and trustworthy individual. However, I am now looking for a new job and none of that seems to matter. Don’t get me wrong I love my job, but I have to commute 140 miles each day. I have been submitting resumes and online applications for a year now and have not been able to land one interview. I have marketable skills, a great resume, and gleaming references. The “check box” has been the albatross around my neck, though my debt to society was paid over 15 years ago. The cold hard truth is that it never goes away. I have tried everything. I have proven myself, I have great references, and I am always honest about my past and accountable for all of my actions. Companies say that they don’t discriminate and that a felony conviction does not bar you from employment, but I know that it is false. Discrimination exists. It has been here since the beginning of time and as long humans live and breath it will continue to be. Simply, it is what it is. It is also unfortunate. Employers box themselves in when they won’t even consider looking past the “check box”. I am a woman of integrity with a marketable skill set and I know that I cannot be alone in this boat. HR departments preach diversity in the workplace, but they may never attain it, because they must first understand the real meaning of diversity. Diversity encompasses much more than race, religion, or age. Here I am 15 years later; my “albatross” and I have become old friends. If anyone out there has broken through their glass roof, any advice or encouragement you have to offer would be appreciated.

Got a degree and am now in debt. Education is worthless once you have a felony in CA. With a poor economy, there is no way an employer is going to “take a chance.” I repeatedly used temp-to-hire companies only to be denied a position after three months. I’m educated, but hopeless. No one hires convicted felons in CA unless there is no background check and then it’s only temporary and minimum wage. Six years and 100K in debt. Good luck. I’ve given up hope.

I think there should be a law against background checks for jobs unrelated to law enforcement or jobs that require security clearances and here’s why:
1. It does absolutely nothing to help rehabilitate ex-convicts.
2. It removes all hope for successfully moving forward as a contributing member of society.
2. It forces individuals to choose between job searching with little or no hope of landing a job or by engaging in criminal activity as a means of survival.
3. It does not benefit society or the economy.
4. It oppresses people who so desperately want to change their lives.
5. It creates a community of hopeless, helpless and homeless people who would otherwise find employment were it not for the laws regarding invasive background checks.

The need to feed your family and to have a roof over your head are the very bare necessities of life and yet millions of American’s are denied this opportunity every time a potential employer refuses to give someone an opportunity for employment based on their background check and never considering their experience and qualifications for the position.

The question then becomes; what is the solution to this problem? Here is my suggestions:
1. Make it illegal to require a background check from private sector companies only employment with high security clearance or law enforcement related positions should be allowed to check a persons background.
2. Establish some type of insurance for high risk employees that they will be responsible to obtain prior to start date. This should clearly place all responsibility for any criminal behavior on the employee and not the employer. Should something go wrong, the employer is not responsible for their actions, rather the employee and the insurance company will have to deal with it.

Because let’s face it, when we chose to break the law it speaks volumes to our moral-turpitude and our level of integrity. It takes only a moment to make a mistake that ultimately taints our very existence and can take years to recover from both economically and socially. Making a mistake especially non-violent, victimless crimes should not be a life sentence yet to so many that have paid their debt to society, that’s exactly what it feels like.

In 2000 I was convicted of breaking a restraining order by my 1st wife, i broke this order with a letter asking her if she loved our unborn child or if she was just using the child for money so she would never have to work, also going on to how i didn’t want our child to not have mom and dad around like my brothers and I did. I never served any prison time for this, but it was still a felony. Anyway here we go 15 years later, nothing else is on my record the only other thing was Dismissed completely. I applied at UPS here resently, and got told that they can’t hire me. What bothers me the most is how long do I have to pay for that mess up? I already paid 15 years of my life cause of it, being denied jobs, even was denied housing at one time cause of it. I guess cause of the charge and it being under domestic violence that automatically puts it that I am violent. What upsets me the most is there is nothing else on that record for 15 years nothing! I wish there was some sorta law that would protect felons who made a mistake in the past to where if it’s over a certain age companies can’t hold it against you. Of course these companies say they don’t my situation is I know UPS did cause when I left the HR person had me fill out the W2 and everything like that, I was pretty much hired pending background check. So yes I feel that it was held against me, something that was 15 years old. Of course it’s hard to find a good job with a felony, non felony people don’t understand the depression, the feeling that we go though knowing we may never get a good job, I don’t wanna work fast food the rest of my life, and Im 41 now. I could completely understand if I had more than 2 felonies and they were more resent than being older than 10 years. That is what bothers me, how much longer do I have to be punished for this? I feel there should be a law that is set by the government for those who are in this type of situation. If it’s older than 7 years then it can’t be accountable unless it’s law enforcement or something like that, and there is nothing else after that or what not. Give these companies a major tax break or something that makes them think twice on hiring felons. Or even put us into that race kinda bracket when it comes to that, cause Im sure alot of other felons would agree with me, we get discrimated against ALOT!